10 Hidden Germ Spots

Spring is the perfect time to scour your home and get rid of the grime that’s been piling up all winter. Don’t forget to scrub these 10 spots where filth likes to hibernate.

Underside of Rugs

1) To remove dust and dirt that’s gone deep down into the rug, simply flip it over and vacuumthe underside.

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2) Blinds The material they’re made of — metal, wood, or fabric — determines how you dust them. For metal blinds, wipe with a sock lightly dampened with water or multi-purpose cleaner. For wood blinds follow the same procedure using only a little tap water. Do not overwet the wood and be sure to buff dry right away. For fabric blinds, go over the blinds with a dry microfiber cloth.

3) Credit Cards

These everyday essentials get handled by lots of people, and germs can lurk in the crevices around the numbers. Give debit and credit cards a quick cleaning with an alcohol wipe and let them air dry before placing them back in your wallet.

4) Kitchen Trash Can

Clean your can or the plastic liner in your utility room sink, the shower, or outside. (Be sure to disinfect the sink and shower afterwards). Thoroughly spray the trash can with a cleaner that contains bleach and let it stand for 10 minutes. Rinse and wipe clean. Before adding a new garbage bag, be sure the can is completely dry.

5) Plants

Outdoor plants are cleaned off by the rain, but houseplants become caked with dust. Spiff them up with water and a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt. Don’t forget to inspect the dirt for mold. Overwatering plants can cause mold to develop on top of the soil. If you notice any, replace the soil.

6) Purse

Spot clean fabric bags with a gentle detergent solution like Woolite and flip the purse inside out to wipe down the inner lining. On finished leather purses, use a leather conditioning cleaner — I love Guardsman Leather Wipes. And, if you place your purse on the floor in a restaurant or even worse, in the ladies’ room, never put it on your kitchen table or counter top.

You clean out the dust container or replace the bag routinely but when was the last time you cleaned the vacuum upholstery tool or brush roll? Check your manual for the how-to. Using scissors, cut off any carpet fibers or hair entangled around the brush.

10) Yoga Mat

After a few sessions, you probably notice that your sweaty hands and feet are leaving dirty marks on your mat, which can lead to yucky bacteria growth. Most mat manufacturers recommend occasionally hand cleaning their products with water and mild soap. All-purpose cleaners can eat away at the material.